A Blairsville, Pennsylvania mother has been charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of children after her young son was allegedly found on the roof of her home, trying to hang on power lines.
The Incident and Charges
On March 15, 2026, Amanda Rivera, 38, was arrested after her son, a child aged around 7 or 8, was seen climbing out of a window and onto the roof during extremely high winds. According to police, the child was at great risk of falling from the 20-foot-high roof while attempting to hang on the power lines attached to the house.
A neighbor who witnessed the dangerous act called 911, and although the boy was not harmed, the incident led to Rivera’s arrest the following day.
The court docket obtained by PEOPLE states that Rivera was charged on March 16, and she is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 15, 2026, in Indiana County Court, with Magisterial District Judge Robert Steele Bell Sr. presiding.
The Mother’s Response
Rivera, who has two children, a 15-year-old and an 8-year-old, claimed to police that the family was in the process of packing and preparing to move out of the house.
She also stated that she was running errands and spending time at their new home during the incident. However, police reported that by the time they arrived, the boy was back inside the residence, and the neighbor had recorded a video of the child on the roof.
Neighbor’s Reaction
A neighbor who witnessed the incident told police, “I feel for the mother. I’m sure she was trying her best to move and do everything she needed to do. However, when you have children, you’re responsible. Accidents happen, but that’s completely unacceptable.” The neighbor also expressed concern over increased distractions and lack of attention to children, adding that one small mistake can change lives forever.
Community Reaction
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the community. While some residents sympathize with Rivera’s situation, others emphasize the importance of supervision and responsibility when it comes to children’s safety.
Preliminary Hearing
Rivera’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, in Indiana County Court. At that time, more details about the case will likely emerge.
